There will be no sliding, surfing or splashing this summer at the waterpark Riverside County is building in the Perris-Menifee area, but the Olympic-sized pool is on track to open in September for high school swim competitions, county officials say.

Construction on remaining features ---- fountains, water slides, a wave rider, rafting "lazy river" and smaller recreational pool ---- is slated to wrap up in November, said Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, whose 5th District stretches from Menifee to Moreno Valley.

"And, of course, that will be opened to the public as soon as the weather gets warm, probably about May of next year,” Ashley said last week in a telephone interview. “I’m really excited about this. We’re getting comments about it all over the valley.”

The Olympic-sized 50-meter swimming pool is having the finishing touches put on it at the waterpark being built in Perris off state Route 74 and Interstate 215.
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A "lazy river" will allow guest a chance to raft around a man-made island at the waterpark being built in Perris off state Route 74 and Interstate 215.

Much of the open-air big pool already is completed, with tiles clearly marking the lanes swimmers will compete in. Nearby, locker-room and concession structures are rising. A circular pad that will become a splashing play area for children is taking shape. And the winding concrete contours of the lazy river are visible.

Freeman said the $25 million undertaking is on time and on budget.

Given plans for 34-foot-high water slides and the proximity to one of the world's busiest parachute centers, the waterpark is going to go by the name, "Drop Zone," Ashley said.

And there are plans to incorporate aeronautical features into the decor.

Officials say the recreation area will be similar to The Cove waterpark recently built by the county near Riverside. Like The Cove, the Drop Zone is expected to offer a flat admission price affording access to multiple attractions.

A soak pool will be used by swimmers who don't want to use the Olympic-sized 50-meter swimming pool at the waterpark being built in Perris off state Route 74 and Interstate 215.
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A soak pool will be used by swimmers who don't want to use the Olympic-sized 50-meter swimming pool at the waterpark being built in Perris off state Route 74 and Interstate 215.

Once built, the Perris-Menifee waterpark will be run by the county Regional Park & Open-space District.

Kyla Brown, the district's chief of parks and recreation, said annual operating costs are projected at $1.2 million. There will be staffing and equipment costs, as well as utilities to pay for. Gas will be used to heat the 50-meter pool throughout the year, Brown said.

Brown said the district will rely on a staff of 100 to operate and maintain the park, with most being part-time seasonal employees. That's because the recreational features will be open solely during the summer.

She said four employees will work full time, all year.

As for the 50-meter pool, Ashley said two Menifee schools have committed to using it for their swim programs ---- Paloma Valley High School and Heritage High School.

Ashley said other high schools ---- and community colleges, too ---- are expected to follow their lead. He said the pool likely will host regional collegiate and high school competitions.

“When they view this facility, I guarantee you they are going to want to be there," he said.